Food Safety Implications of Fresh Meat and Wild Game Donations in Virginia

Abstract

This project updates and expands the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s existing meat and poultry information sheets by adding guidance on regulatory frameworks, processing requirements, and challenges associated with fresh meat donations in Virginia. These updated resources will support Extension personnel, the public, hunters, farmers market staff, processors, and the Virginia Food Bank network in understanding the laws and best practices surrounding the processing and handling of donated fresh meat. Protein products remain among the most requested yet least donated food items in food banks, largely due to food safety concerns, logistical constraints, and regulatory barriers. This report examines federal and state regulations—including the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA), Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, the Virginia Meat and Poultry Inspection Program (VMPI), and programs such as Hunters for the Hungry—to identify how current laws impact donation opportunities. The project focuses specifically on beef, poultry, and wild deer (venison), which differ substantially in slaughter, processing, and inspection requirements. Recommendations include expanding subsidy programs for processors, enhancing processor participation, encouraging safe and ethical harvesting practices, and identifying infrastructure improvements to strengthen Virginia’s fresh meat donation system. These improvements would support community food security, reduce waste, and enhance sustainable livestock and wildlife management.